Qualification Type: | PhD |
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Location: | Swansea |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | £17,668 p.a. annual stipend |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 20th December 2022 |
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Closes: | 3rd February 2023 |
Funding providers: ESRC Wales DTP
Subject areas: Data science
Project description:
The UK has set the ambitious target of reaching ‘net zero’ by 2050. As food production contributes around 37% of global greenhouse gas (GHG), shifting to sustainable diets is crucial to achieving this goal. Therefore in 2019, the EAT-Lancet Commission defined a universal plant-based reference diet to promote human and environmental health. However, in doing so the potential unintended consequences for brain health were not considered. This is troubling given that the high metabolic rate of the brain makes it particularly sensitive to nutritional deficiencies. Indeed, Swansea University pilot data indicated that adherence to the EAT-Lancet recommendation to severely limit animal products was associated with a greater risk of being deficient in a range of nutrients essential for brain functioning (including protein, selenium, zinc, iron, and folate) and a more depressed mood (Young, 2022).
Therefore, this project aims to use existing epidemiological data (e.g., Whitehall II study, UK BIOBANK) to:
To facilitate maximum international impact, this work is being conducted in collaboration with the food industry partners that comprise the Cognitive Health Committee at the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS), Washington DC. The successful candidate will have opportunity for a work placement at IAFNS which offers a unique opportunity to understand how multidisciplinary science is utilized across industry, government, and academia to benefit public health.
Eligibility
Candidates should have an excellent background in the social sciences, holding a first- or strong upper-second-class degree, or equivalent recognised by Swansea University.
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.
This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.
Funding
The studentship provides the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend. There will be additional funds available for research expenses.
Studentship awards commence in October 2023 and will cover your tuition fees as well as a maintenance grant (currently £17,668 per annum for 2022/23 for full-time students, updated each year) and include access to an additional Research Training Support Grant (RTSG).
There are other opportunities and benefits available to studentship holders, including an overseas fieldwork allowance (if applicable), internship opportunities, overseas institutional visits and other small grants.
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